Birthisel named Wilson Center director
Sonja Birthisel has been named director of the Wilson Center effective Sept. 1.
Birthisel, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Maine and an alumna, has been actively involved in youth ministry for over 15 years. She has a passion for community service and experience as a teacher and community organizer. As a member of the Wilson Center since 2013, she was active in the long-running SpiritualiTEA discussion group. She coordinated the SCOPE grants for community service and social justice, and the annual Dorothy Clarke Wilson Peace Writing Prize at various times. She also served as caretaker for the Wilson Center garden. As a member of the Church of Universal Fellowship in Orono, she serves on the Board of Trustees and is a co-leader of the Young Adults with Pizzazz (YAWP) program. She will be attending the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America New England Synod’s School of Lay Ministry part time beginning this fall.
The Wilson Center is a multifaith, ecumenical organization that has served the UMaine community for more than a century. Its mission is to create progressive, ecumenical and multifaith dialogue for the University of Maine community and, through worship, study and service, to work for social justice, honor diversity and offer opportunities for spiritual growth.